Design underpins this industry, regardless of one’s place in the market. While creating something from nothing can appear to be the province of high-end European designers, the UK has a core of solid, hard-working creative professionals that keep the industry alive. In this exclusive series, Rob Scarlett of Scarlett Design UK goes in search of the unsung heroes of the industry to find out what makes them tick. This month, Rob meets Ray Davies, design manager at Bentley Designs …
Ray studied Furniture Design and Craftsmanship at Bucks New University from 1994-1997, and completed an MA in Furniture Design and Technology there from 2000-2001. He lectured in Furniture Studies at Buckinghamshire Chilterns University College for nearly three years, before joining Willis & Gambier as a designer in 2004. Ray joined Bentley Designs in 2009. Recently, his City dining range topped the Value category in The Furniture Awards 2015.
On Ray
What was the most valuable part of your education?
I remember a tutor commenting that a design should ‘sing’. He then elaborated and explained about balance and unity in design – this is something I have strived for in my designs ever since by developing a keen eye for proportioning and detailing.
What was your first design job?
It was for Willis & Gambier, from 2004-2008. Prior to this I worked as a maker of bespoke furniture, predominantly for the domestic market. Furniture design has a very technical nature, and this experience has provided me with a thorough grounding for being a designer.
What are you working on right now?
Right now I’m busy designing several bedroom and dining ranges intended for launch at the NEC January Furniture Show 2016. One particular range has bespoke metal handles which I’m working on for 3D printing and review prior to mould making. This is a very exciting advancement for the company, and is hugely beneficial for our design and development process.
On design
How do you mentally prepare yourself for work each day?
I simply say to myself ‘have a good, productive day’ and then clear the way for uninterrupted design work as much as possible. Also, I like to finish a day having reached a definite stage in the design development, for review with fresh eyes in the morning – this helps to start each day productively.
A blank sheet of paper can be daunting – what inspires you to fill it?
There is no mystery. I refer to my research file, which is built up little and often with inspiring images from a wide variety of sources, along with trend information and competitor observations. This library aids to identify gaps and opportunities in the marketplace and start the concept generation process.
“I like to finish a day having reached a definite stage in the design development, for review with fresh eyes in the morning”
Which area of your work do you enjoy the most – and the least?
‘Designing’ is my answer to both questions! For me, being a designer is both a blessing and a curse – whilst being incredibly satisfying, it is also like reaching into a dark space. I have to shut the door to distractions and have some solitude time – something that is quite a challenge working in an open-plan office!
Describe one of your favourite designs, and explain why it inspires you
I appreciate all design I see as being thoughtfully and intelligently crafted together. This includes ornate work, but pared-back, unfussy design is what I really like. For example, I love Apple products for their looks and simplicity of use.
Which is your favourite designer retailer, and what is it doing right?
Barker and Stonehouse springs to mind. I like the mix of ranges and eclectic pieces it offers – it’s a great store for consumers looking to fill their house with personality. The website is also fresh and has a very interesting news and interior trend blog.
On today’s furniture market
Sum up today’s UK domestic furniture design …
I feel the middle market is still quite conservative and our designs need to reflect this. However, there is a change in the air and I believe we can start to push the boundaries and offer something a little different which will still sell in volume.
Do you feel that the industry adequately supports designers?
Personally, I feel adequately supported. In-house designers like myself require quite an outlay by a company as we need expensive CAD software and time to research in various ways, including making international show and factory visits. This kind of support is absolutely necessary to do the job well, and Bentley Designs made this investment by taking me on as their first designer – I like to think this has started to pay off for the company and the investment has been worthwhile.
What’s the last design that really caught your eye?
The Ikea wireless charging range for mobile phones – a perfect example of seeing the future and addressing the desires and needs of today’s consumers.
“Being a designer is both a blessing and a curse – whilst being incredibly satisfying, it is also like reaching into a dark space”
What’s the future of furniture design?
Differentiation and very high quality design is key. This is especially important today as there is plenty of media around to educate consumers about design, which in turn will add to market expectations. Built-in technology, and whatever else makes furniture more engaging and personal, will play an important role. Also, I think the reality is that a lot of people live in space-deprived homes, and furniture will need to work harder in the future in terms of offering multi-functional use.
On the industry
Which industry event or platform gives a designer the best step up?
I graduated in 1997 and exhibited at New Designers, which is now celebrating it 30th year. It proved to be a very worthwhile and exciting experience, which I believe has been the case for many other designers ever since. We owe a big thank you to the late Peta Levi for setting up this graduate show which still thrives today promoting British design talent.
What design website do you visit most often?
I enjoy Trend Hunter. It’s a refreshing place to go and provides a window to the present and future from a wide area of design.
“A lot of people live in space-deprived homes, and furniture will need to work harder in the future in terms of offering multi-functional use”
What’s the biggest challenge you face?
From concept to realisation, the process of designing furniture for high-volume production – and therefore needing to have wide appeal – is always going to be the biggest challenge.
How do you think the industry views designers?
I’m not sure how we are viewed, but I think the industry is seeing the importance of employing a good designer more than ever before. There is a lot of sameness out there, and new directions that are still commercial are not easy to formulate. To some extent anyone can design and maybe get lucky, but I think these days are numbered in today’s ever-more competitive marketplace, with more design-conscious consumers. As a result, I feel professional designers are becoming more important in the industry.
What advice would you give to young designers just starting out in the industry?
See the bigger picture. Develop commercial awareness and learn about a business’ customers and competition. Also, grab any opportunity to travel and attend trade fairs worldwide, as this will all serve to enrich design work.
Rob Scarlett says …
“See the bigger picture, develop commercial awareness and learn about a business’ customers and competition.” That, in a nutshell, is what employing a good designer is all about. We’re immersed in the design world and spend our time going out to design shops, checking the latest trends and getting influences from all over the world of furniture, architecture, print and interiors.
"The first step to delivering a different but commercial design is research. You have to look at everything in the marketplace – and I mean the entire market place. Looking down is as important as looking up, because consumers will look around and compare your products with everything else. The internet has revolutionised the consumer’s access to different products, and it’s easy now to find the best deals online and compare one product to another.
"A good designer will have an internal compass – a feel, if you like – for the mood of a range and the direction one needs to pursue. They will know the new products launched in your market and how best to draw inspiration without impinging on their intellectual property. They will follow the design blog that prompts the next big thing and enable you to be ahead of the curve. Designers are the sum of their research, and a good designer is like a sponge waiting to be rung out.
"As Ray would say: “New directions that are still commercial are not easy to formulate.” To achieve them you need a dedicated designer to lead the charge into battle.
Scarlett Design was established in early 2010 by British designer Rob Scarlett, who began his career when he was named the 2003 Young Designer of the Year. Subsequently, Rob has played a key role in the design teams of some of the best-known brands and businesses in the UK furniture industry, including Willis & Gambier, Nathan Furniture, Mark Webster and Yinihome. He has also enjoyed success with ranges launched through UK retailers such as Heal’s, Marks & Spencer, Furniture Village and John Lewis. This article was published in the September 2015 issue of Furniture News magazine.
